Close the Glass Loop Launches National Platform in Albania to Strengthen Glass Recycling

Close the Glass Loop has launched a national platform in Albania, expanding its European network as the country works to align with European Union environmental standards. The initiative is designed to strengthen glass packaging collection and recycling, while supporting the development of a national action plan to improve recycling performance.

According to reports, the Albanian platform brings together government authorities, recycling companies and industry stakeholders under a common framework. Coordinated by Green Recycling, one of Albania’s leading recycling and circular economy companies, the platform will connect local participants with European partners and established practices aimed at improving glass collection systems across the value chain.

The initiative is expected to help Albania build the infrastructure, policies and stakeholder cooperation needed to increase glass packaging recovery. Through Close the Glass Loop, Albanian organizations will gain access to technical expertise and experience from national platforms across Europe as the country advances its circular economy agenda.

Deputy Minister of Environment Sofjan Jaupaj said the partnership supports Albania’s efforts to meet EU environmental requirements. He said the platform represents a practical step toward improving glass packaging collection, increasing recycling rates and strengthening collaboration needed for a more circular economy.

Green Recycling Managing Director Arbër Xhihani said glass remains one of Albania’s least recovered recyclable materials despite being infinitely recyclable. He said the company aims to work with partners in Albania and across Europe to translate shared expertise into practical improvements in glass collection and recycling.

The launch follows a high-level workshop held in Tirana on June 17, jointly organized by Close the Glass Loop and Green Recycling. Representatives from the glass packaging value chain, government agencies, waste management companies, recycling operators and financial institutions discussed measures to improve collection systems and recycling infrastructure.

Participants identified the establishment of an effective Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework as a priority for supporting glass packaging recycling. Experience shared by national platforms in Italy and Romania provided examples of how established European approaches could be adapted to Albania’s regulatory and operational environment.

On behalf of Close the Glass Loop partners, EXPRA Managing Director Joachim Quoden said Albania's participation expands a European network focused on improving glass collection and recycling. He said the organization will support local stakeholders as they develop a national action plan and strengthen implementation of EPR legislation in line with EU packaging recycling objectives.

Close the Glass Loop brings together stakeholders across the European glass packaging value chain with the shared objective of achieving a 90% glass collection-for-recycling rate across the European Union by 2030. The Albanian platform marks another step in extending that collaboration to countries preparing for closer integration with EU environmental policy.

Source: Close the Glass Loop

SUNSHINE Spotlight: Albania has joined the Close the Glass Loop network, giving local stakeholders access to European expertise as the country develops stronger glass collection systems and EPR policies to support higher recycling rates.